Peles Castle, Sinaia and Predeal, Romania
Peles Castle , an exquisite representation of new-Renaissance architecture, is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and I thought it was one of the most perfect “fairy tale” castles I had ever seen. It was commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed 10 years later. It had a mere 160 rooms filled with European Art, crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, procelains, etc. Each room was furnished to reflect a different European country. And, it was the first castle in Europe to have central heating and electricity produced by its own electrical power plant on the bank of Peles creek. I found that amazing. During the Ceausescu era, Peles was used as a private retreat for leading communists and statesmen. Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Moamar Gaddafi and Yasser Arafat are just a few who were entertained by the Romanian dictator. Peles Castle is also surrounded by seven terraces and gardens, with statues everywhere. Peles Castle – Isn’t this place drop-dead gorgeous...
